Abstract

This paper describes the design of an electronic Tabla con- troller (ETabla). Tabla are a pair of hand drums traditionally used to accompany North Indian vocal and instrumental music. The ETabla controls both sound and graphics simul- taneously. It allows for a variety of traditional Tabla strokes and new performance techniques. Graphical feedback allows for artistic display and has potential pedagogical applica- tions. This paper describes the evolution of the technology of the Tabla from its origins until the present day; the traditional playing style of the Tabla, on which the controller is modeled; the creation of a real-time Tabla controller, using force- sensors; the physical modeling of the sound of the Tabla using banded waveguide synthesis; the creation of a real-time graphics feedback system that reacts to the Tabla controller; experiments on measuring the response time of the ETabla sensors; and the description of the ETabla used in a live performance.